China Denounces US Defense Act, Citing Inflated Threat and Interference

China's Strong Dissatisfaction with US National Defense Authorization Act

China's Defense Ministry has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, which was recently signed into law.

Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang, speaking at a news conference in Beijing, criticized the NDAA for its inflated defense budget of 895 billion dollars and its identification of China as a major challenge to US national security. He argued that the NDAA uses the so-called "China military threat" as an excuse to increase US military spending and maintain its global dominance, while interfering in China's internal affairs and undermining global peace and stability.

Zhang emphasized that China has no intention of challenging any country and that the US itself is its own worst enemy. He pointed to the US's already exorbitant and rapidly growing military expenditure as evidence of its belligerent nature and obsession with hegemony and expansion. He further highlighted the devastating consequences of US military interventions since 2001, citing hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of injuries, and tens of millions displaced. He argued that the US's abuse of force not only harms the world but also accelerates its own decline.

The spokesperson stressed that there is enough space for both China and the US to develop individually and collectively. He reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development and a defensive defense policy. He emphasized that China does not engage in arms races and remains a defender of world peace.

Zhang urged the US to abandon its Cold War mentality and zero-sum mindset, and to stop its obsessive attempts to contain and outcompete China. He warned that such actions could undermine bilateral relations between the two nations and their militaries.

He concluded by stating that the Chinese military, with its strengthened capabilities and reliable methods, will take resolute countermeasures against any infringements and provocations to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.